Thomas John Micka

Thomas John Micka of Potterville passed away December 11, 2022. Tom was born November 30, 1947 in Owosso to the late Joseph M. and Hilda A. (Hrncharik) Micka. Tom grew up in Elsie, Michigan and had fond memories of working on his family farm. He graduated from Elsie High School, Class of 1965 where he played multiple sports. Tom was a phenomenal basketball player who held the school record for most points scored in a game, he also played football and was inducted with his teammates into the High School Sports Hall of Fame. Tom remained friends with his teammates throughout his lifetime. Tom proudly served his country in the United States Army in the 101 First Airborne division during Vietnam and was honored with the Bronze Star medal for Meritorious Achievement in Ground Operations against Hostile Forces and the Army Commendation medal for Exceptionally Meritorious Achievement. He worked for several years at Motor Wheel in Lansing, MI as a Tool and Die Maker and ended his career with Hayes-Lemmerz Manufacturing as a leader who worked to improve production and efficiency in plants in the US and Mexico. Tom raised three children in his hometown and created many cherished memories with them, especially those of their annual camping trips in Canada where they lived off the grid and fished and explored all day long and ended their days around a campfire. In 2012, he married Nancy Estanilla and his family expanded and they enjoyed his retirement years together. Throughout his whole life, he continued his love of growing amazing vegetable gardens. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family who he cherished. He was a loving husband, father, stepfather, and grandfather. Tom always opened his loving, giving heart to anyone. He is survived by his loving wife, Nancy (Estanilla); children, Beckie Micka, Katie (Ahren) Taszreak and Joe Micka; stepchildren, Arnold Gonzales and Andrea Gonzales; grandchildren, Tyler and Trevor Kramer, Faith Covert, Maddoc and Tula Taszreak and Aubrey Micka; sister, Betty Micka; aunt and best friend, Rosemary (Robert) Marks. Tom was preceded in death by siblings, Raymond, James, Frederick, Jerry and Joseph Micka. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, December 17, 2022 at 11:00 AM at St. Michael Catholic Church, Grand Ledge by Father James Eisele. You may watch the funeral mass for Tom at 11:00 am Saturday on the St. Michael Church YouTube channel at this link: https:https://youtu.be/0PaYRrReucU. Military honors will be conducted at the church following the service and a luncheon afterwards. Visitation will Saturday at the church from 10-11:00 AM. Memorial contributions may be given to U.S. VETS National Office, 800 W. 6th Street, Suite 1505, Los Angeles, California 90017 (https://usvets.org/donate/). Arrangements by the Holihan-Atkin-Barclay Funeral Home, Grand Ledge.

Thomas John Micka

November 30, 1947 - December 11, 2022